Introduction
Baked potatoes with garlic and butter are a timeless and universally loved side dish. This recipe brings out the natural flavors of the potatoes, enhanced by the rich butter and aromatic garlic. Perfect for any meal, this dish is both simple and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making a comforting meal for yourself, these baked potatoes are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 kg potatoes (2.2 lbs)
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 100g butter (3.5 oz)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, parsley)
Number of Servings
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information per serving (assuming 6 servings) is as follows:
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and Cut Potatoes
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Depending on their size, halve or quarter the potatoes. If you are using small potatoes, you can leave them whole for a rustic presentation.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic
- Peel and Slice Garlic
- Peel the garlic cloves and cut them into thin slices or chop them finely. Garlic infuses the potatoes with a deliciously aromatic flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F), using the fan oven setting for even heat distribution.
Step 4: Melt the Butter
- Melt Butter
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Melted butter will coat the potatoes evenly and ensure they roast to perfection.
Step 5: Season the Potatoes
- Coat Potatoes
- Place the potatoes in a large bowl. Pour the melted butter and garlic over the potatoes. Mix well to ensure all the potatoes are evenly coated. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Bake
- Arrange on Baking Tray
- Spread the potatoes out evenly on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Ensure the potatoes are in a single layer and not piled on top of each other for even cooking.
- Bake Potatoes
- Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn the potatoes once or twice during baking to ensure they cook evenly and develop a perfect crust.
Step 7: Serve
- Add Fresh Herbs
- Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle them with fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley. The herbs add a burst of freshness and an aromatic finish to the dish.
- Serve Immediately
- Serve the baked potatoes immediately while they are hot and crispy. Enjoy them as a delightful side dish with your favorite main course.
Tips for Perfect Baked Potatoes
Use Fresh Ingredients
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh potatoes, garlic, and herbs for the best flavor and texture. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in the final dish.
Turn Potatoes During Baking
- Even Cooking: Turn the potatoes once or twice during baking to ensure they cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
Customize Seasonings
- Customize: Feel free to customize the seasonings and herbs to your taste. Add a pinch of paprika, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or even a dash of chili flakes for extra flavor.
Conclusion
These baked potatoes with garlic and butter are a simple yet delicious side dish that complements a wide range of main courses. The combination of buttery, crispy potatoes with the aromatic flavor of garlic and fresh herbs makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or a special occasion, these potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures with this easy and delightful recipe!
